45+ yrs in Amateur Radio. Never thought I’d enjoy QRP as much as I did. Getting the 705 really opened my eyes to another exciting facet of our wonderful hobby.
Another excellent review, Bob. I value your views and have used them as a base for purchases in the past and will no doubt do again in the future. Very balanced and worth noting I have found. Thanks.
Thanks Grant. I try to script out everything....get it right. This radio has too much to go into full detail in a video. It would be over an hour! Glad I finally got this one done.
Great video. I used to use a Xiegu G90 for portable ops, but once the 705 came out and a friend showed me, I had to get one for myself. It's a great rig all by itself for POTA/SOTA, but since I also have a Xiegu XPA-125A 100 watt amplifier for HF, this basically can be used as a main rig. In fact, I recently sold my IC-7300, which used to be my main rig until I splurged and got a Yaesu FTdx-101MP (which really is in a totally different class), and now my IC-705 and XPA-125B not only can be taken into the field but also serve as my backup rig in case the 101MP has an issue (which it hasn't'). One of the complaints that some people have about the 705 is that it has no internal tuner, but there are a number of solutions. For POTA/SOTA, a small tuner from Elecraft works wonders. Alternatively, since the XPA-125B amplifier has a very good tuner built in, if you use it, not only do you get upwards of 100 watts, you also have a very capable tuner too.
Hard to believe I've had my 705 for almost a year. Good to watch the review and be reminded of the features I've since forgot about (I haven't programmed the V/UHF repeaters yet.). Two additional learnings: The radio can be charged with the USB cable, albeit slowly. Second, like the IC 7300, zero power is not really no power. It's 50 mW and that's enough for a CW QSO as I found out when I as my "zero power" CW CQ received an unexpected reply. If you've a EFHW or random wire handy, it's fun to use on your deck or a picnic table in a park. The AH-705 also works well as a tuner. We've come a long way since the venerable FT-817 was introduced just over 20 years ago.
I also have celebrated one year with this wonderful rig. I had it on tens of VHF/UHF contests portable, used it several times with HF at camp sites, for HF Field Day and activations. I talked on D-star, did several FM SAT contacts with handheld antenna outside... I used SSB, FM, DV, CW, RTTY, data. Hunted for NDB beacons on longwave spectrum, listened to MFand HF broadcasts, listened to airband frequencies, SSB sats, and other things. I have a tuner mAT-705 mkII, it tunes a randomwire with 1:9 unun well. I am looking forward to use it with a transvertor for 23cm and above one day. Wonderful rig, totally worth of the money, glad I bought it last year.
Thanks for the review! I just picked up the 705 at HRO in norcal while visiting family. It's my first HF rig and so far super impressed and overwhelmed with the features. And can't wait to get back home to the hills of Colorado to play with it. And maybe actually learn CW. 73s KE0OQS
Bob, That was the best review of the IC 705 I have seen so far. It was very informative and you pointed out two things I did not know. One......stand alone hot spot. Neat feature. Two, the battery. First off I think the standard battery is a joke. For how much current the radio draws on receive, it draws way too much power off of the little battery. I give Icom a thumbs down on the standard battery. But, I did not know they make a bigger battery. That would be the first thing I would get. I wish you would have addressed the CW features more. I change CW speed on the fly. Some hams send back at either a slower speed or I need to send a fast exchange. The last thing I want to do is go through numerous menus to change the speed. So the question is, "Is it easy to change the CW speed on the fly?" Again, thanks for posting such a great video. Your video made me revisit the possibility of getting one. The battery was a big issue for me and the lack of a built in ATU is yet another deal breaker. BUT.....since I only use resonant antenna, the lack of an ATU may not be such a big deal. Barry G. Kery, KU3X/QRP
I thought your video was excellent thank you for taking us through a tour on the 705 really nice radio I guess it's really good for the price point it offers a lot of features and a lot of bands thank you again for this great video you're awesome 👍
Bob, Thank-You! You’ve nailed it, as always. Like all of your reviews, you back-up what you say with facts. No fluff, no fat- just the facts…. You, Sir, are the Platinum Standard, and have NO equals. All the Best to You and Yours!
Well, "When" you finally get one....you will be amazed at what it does. I was showing it to a friend and had an external speaker on it. He commented "It sounds better than your IC-7851"...and he was right.
Reallly would have liked to see a built in ATU. Elecraft did it with the KX2; no reason ICOM couldn't have put one inside. Very nice review. Much appreciated.
There is a reason. You can sell an optional tuner for $350.00 😉. LDG should sell a 705 tuner modeled after the LDG Z-817. Street price is around $120.00 for the Z-817.
nice review. Watching as I get my 705 this afternoon! 73 de M5PM 🇬🇧 Patrick I actually traded in my ic7610 for this because I think the probability is just terrific and I don't really use the home base station that much
Well, add anamp and you have a complete station. Maybe a uhf/vhf amp too. Just make a little BNC two way switch. The 705 is a masterpiece of engineering. I have many QPR radios and none of them are in the league of the 705. Enjoy!
ICOM all day, I have the 7610 and the 9700, I need no more from features and functionality. From HF to Satellites (including QO-100) I am covered all bands and all modes, with the exception of 70MHz (4M). If I was going portable, I would have the 705, as part of my radio gear. Yaesu completely missed a trick, they brought out the ft818, completely lacking imagination. Excellent channel Rob, de Ei2iP
I wish you could activate and step through the menu items with the knobs., E.g.press the AF/RF/SQL knob and the menu pops out then press again to cycle through the menu items and then twist to adjust the setting. It drives me crazy that I need to press a button then use the knob. Apart from that this is my first amateir radio and I love it,
Bob, you've said something I've not heard others say, but which I've also wondered. Rather than buying a 7300/9700 and adding various technologies (gps, etc.), why not buy a 705 and add the simple pa and atu? Wonder what others think about the idea.
I agree. I just bought the 705 as my first HF rig. Crazy going against the grain of not having a 100w base. And at the end of the day I know I will buy a PA and I'll be happy but I made into Idaho on the last qso party with 5w and a mobile antenna. So far very impressed.
Wonderful review as always Brother ! When you have time, please mention again the conversion nodes via WiFi that allow for communicating to other vendors radios and technology. Also, might you tell me where you got that really cool pen in this video. Best and 73 de W3HLS {formally KB1YNU}
Ha! Well, that is a custom pen I got for my birthday. A one-off. The oddist mode this radio does is going from WiFi to these multi-mode server "rooms". I used a YT video to make it happen at one point, but then went back to just using my Hot Spot. ALL the digital modes are in these server rooms. Everyone can talk to everyone . These "rooms" are not on the normal Dstar listings. Really, the thing to do is have a bank of HotSPot channels which are set for your favorite Dstar reflectors etc. Add couple of CQCQCQ and Disconnect channels in the line-up and you are golden. I like the Duplex HotSpots because if people are talking, you can still disconnect or QSY. I like this radio more and more- as I use it.
I have several...a collection from over the years. In the field I use a Xiegu PAX-100 (may have discontinued it) And at home I use the XPA-125 Xiegu....and it is a superb amp (not cheap)..really a 200W amp. There are several types available.. just be sure they have the low-pass filters in them. CW and digital modes, I use 10W.
No auto tuner!! No bueno....I own the ICOM 7300 and at 72 it will probably be my last hf rig. With that said, IMO the 7300 receiver is average and noisy compared to my Elecraft KX3 or my old ICOM 746pro which I no longer own. So, if the 705 is a 7300 shrunk down, I'll keep my KX3 for field work and enjoy the internal tuner and live without the band scope. As always, great video Bob.....keep them coming /k6sdw
Well, the 7300 may look like a 7300, but it is a very different radio. To conserve power, they must use different IC's. As well, every year, new chips come out with better performance. Icom re-cycles as much of the programming as they can- so the user interface is similar. I used the 705 portable this weekend and it is a superb radio. The receiver is as selective as most $2-3K radios. It is very quiet. Sure- Elecraft radios are quieter. The KX-3 is so quiet that it is freakish. I always thought my antenna was broken. Using an antenna that needs to be tuned with a tuner will always mean compromise performance. I always use resonant antennas (folded dipoles) portable. This way I have gain- but it's the same footprint as a dipole. I thought I would not be impressed by the 705, but it is a marvel of engineering and without flaw. Nobody has a comparable radio.
@@daveN2MXX I worked Costa Rica yesterday on 20 watts and the operator was amazed by the quality of my signal. I've had good reports all the way from VK land to 7 land on this little G90.
It only has one receiver. That said, I hear that PC SDR software is being released that may give multiple RX capabilities. Just by itself, this radio contains a tremendous amount of excellent engineering.
@@Yavor54 That really sounds great Bob, not that it is easy to compete with 5-10W in getting that DX in the log but without second receiver it is a pain. I have other trancievers but I am looking for something to go /mm wet squares expeditions as well as iota expeditions. I do also understand that the IC-705 has pretty good built in bandpass filters which means would would be able to have several radios and run so3r or even so4r as a single operator without too much QRM. 73 de SM6WET
Don’t forget the Elecraft KXPA 100. Bob/K6UDA has a video on how to connect it. Not cheap but it is an excellent choice if you have one around. And it includes a tuner.
With low power, I always suggest an antenna with gain. I personally use resonant Folded Dipoles. A good way to do it is to cut one for 20 meters and then make extensions for it. Alligator clip the extenders on the ends to change for lower bands. If you don't use an antenna with gain, you'll need an amplifier for SSB.
I had 7300 for two years (now I own dx10)...the rig was a joy...I really loved the rig and I wanted something similar for portable use (I own KX3 and mcHF)...but...I don't think that is worth the money...And I will explain why: When we speak about 5W (10W)...we speak about portable radio that you will take to the field (POTA/SOTA/ and other OTA). 1. for SOTA is very big. If you hike 2-3 hours (sometimes even more)...you will need something that is more easy to take. That will take a little bit less space in your backpack...because you will also need to take antenna, some water, some snacks. And often some supplementary clothes. And most probably you will need a tunner 2. Also the plastic case...quite often I had small accidents with the rig...a plastic rig will broke. Not always you are able to put in very secure way the rig. Also you are at risc to fall (specially when you go down back...sometimes you slip etc...). For POTA...the risk is smaller...but for sota? No way... 3. No ATU. Even if you go with resonant antennas (low SWR on band)...you will find that the antenna is not perfect as you tuned at home (due different environment, tree, mast etc). So, you will need a small tunner (3:1 is ok). 4. For this price...you have better alternatives (xiegu X5105 at half of the price, KX2/KX3 - with tuner...with tuner...the price in same range...or mcHF...1/3 of the price). On the field, sometimes, to many features are more a inconvenient and is more confusing. For example, I never need a wifi on the mountains/forest (in fact, I can't imagine a reason for wifi on field...except FT8...but I don't play in digital modes). The gps...I have my phone with me... So, even that is very nice and pleasant radio...the truth is that doesn't worth the money (probably if you travel in RV...but then even 100W rig will fit).
Well, that's true if you don't require top-shelf performance. The Xiegu 5105 is just as heavy and it's performance is very marginal. I always use resonant antennas in the field. I use folded dipoles...for the 3dB gain. If you use antennas that require a tuner at 5-10 watts, your transmit efficiency will be very poor. A KX3 is the same price or more with any accessory boards. It IS a good performer, but difficult to operate (better take your manual) and has no real scope. Neither of those radio have UHF/VHF which is quite useful in the outback. I want to be able to hit the repeaters back in town and possibly work some SSB up there. You could even do ISS FM sat work. I had and sold both those other radios to get the 705. I only kept a G90 for grins. I never take it out though. Luckily, we have these choices!
@@robertnagy2163 Xiegu 5105: 910 grams; IC-705: 1150 grams; KX3 - 980 grams.The performance of xiegu is decent (I didn't feel something better in the field. True, in city - in shack...the performance is poor due lot of QRM. But I had the same problem with 7300 (overload). It's true, 7300 had a better performance. I found that KX3 it was a more easy to operate than Xiegu. More, in the field, all buttons that you need are in the front. So, it wasn't matter if I was with gloves or full of mud (yep...I was nuts anounght to hike after rain...when I arrived at the summit, I had mud even in my...I can't say...is to indecent ...). It's true, is a little bit more complicated if you want to play with AGC threshold or other stuff...but I doubt that anyone will play with deep settings in field. So, for operating in field...it was more easy than everything that I had (mcHF, Xiegu G90, Xiegu 5105, IC-703, ft-815)... UHF/VHF...is hard to play on field I never tried... Regardin resonant antenna...is a myth. At home I have 2x28m dipole...(non resonant on all HAM bands). I managed to work S9OK with 100W on two bands...and quite easy (I don't have amplifier). I have EFHW that is resonant on 20m...and all my activation was on 30m band...(with 3-5W...KX3 internal battery or Xiegu 5105 with 5W). The reason why is not efficient...it's that the you have long coax (I have 30cm coax...and with KX3 I don't use coax at all...the bal-un is connected directly to RIG with bnc to bnc connector). At home, even that I have 35m of coax to the antenna...the tuner is at the feed point on the roof of the building...so, the losses are minimal on coax. The losses appear when you have at the end of coax a impedance that is different than coax and source. I also have a 20m resonant dipole...but I found that is not so flexible (I have to put at least 5m of coax)...so I can't use the dipole on other bands than 20m...and it's a little bit more harder to deploy on hills. So, IC-705 is ok if you go at picnic...or go in RV... but overall...its way overpriced. There are way more better rigs/setups at lower price.
@@bolovanro Yes, I think YOUR issue is that you are doing SOTA. You must carry the radio. And yes, I am RV camping...ha! You need the smallest/ lightest radio that will work. Th G90 is a good radio, but HEAVY. The price on the 705 will reduce too. I think it will be under one thousand soon. Sure, it is expensive. The Chinese radios are not great engineering. They are basic- and have problems. The 705 is problem-free. For me, in normal conditions, I have always found that a resonant antenna and good coax is best. I think Bob Heil said it best - "An Antenna tuner fools the radio and the operator". With such low power operation, I want the best antenna possible. I have tried everything portable- and Folded Dipoles are the winner. But each of use has a different experience... and it is fun! Best 73's Bob
@@robertnagy2163 For RV is a nice rig (even that in RV you are able to take a full size of 7300 HI..but you need also a bigger power suply). Yes, it's true what you say about the tuner...but also someone says that tuner is full you if is stay in warm place (close to TRX). But if stay close to feed point of the antenna...is different story. I made a experiment: My antena have swr of 5 (this mean that it will return around 25% of the power). I set my rig at 5W and tuned with a LDG 100Pro in shack. A CQ was received in germany by a station with 5db. I turn of the tuner and tuned with MFJ 993 remote tuner (on the roof of the building) and the same station has received me with 11 db. I tried 4 times (cycling between tuner in the sack and tuner on the roof...)...the difference was almost the same all time. So yes, if tuner is in warm and dry place...is just fools the rig...if is on feed point of the antenna...it will radiate almost all power (the loses are minimal)
You focus on HF, but this is VHF/UHF too. And that's something one can't find in any other contemporary QRP rig, except FT-818. Due to that, there is almost no alternative for those who like upper bands. I agree with the points (it is heavier than some other small rigs, it looks very prone to break if you drop it, it is too expensive for breaking it, etc). However, I think it is worth of the price, since it is so universal! For some disciplines it covers, you can find a better fitting one-purpose rig, but not for the others.
I’m hoping someone with more experience with the 705 radio can answer this question on made for Japan domestic market radio compatibility here in USA…. I’m considering purchasing a brand new IC-705 from Japan to save the money (about 40% savings). ICOM corporate states that their mfg warranty will not work here in US for Japan domestic manufactured radios. I’m not super concerned about the warranty. I’ve never had an issue with any high quality electronics brand I’ve purchased in past, but know there’s always a risk. Such is life. However, do you think that there will really be issues with band modes and other usability aspects as they suggest, or could it just be “spin” to keep business for local equipment dealers. What are your thoughts?
Golly- that is a puzzler. Yes, truthfully, that 705 should work perfectly for it's whole service life. Should you need repairs, Icom in the USA WILL repair it. You do need to check the 2 and 450 band ranges in Japan though. HF will be the same. At the right price, Id have no quams about importing from Japan.
Thanks so much for responding! I did go ahead and purchase USA marketed 705 that was an open box demo. The replies were mixed and I finally didn’t want to wait for shipment and also uncertain Import fees when added almost makeup the difference.
Well, I've had it all apart and there is absolutely no room left in there for anything. At 10W, any antenna that needs to be tuned will be a compromise. I always use folded dipoles. Same footprint as a dipole but it has gain.
At the end you state that “you’re gonna want an amp for SSB”- well, yeah. And, you didn’t mention it has no ATT. For $1300, Ii’s not really a shack in the box after all- it’s an incredibly well designed compromise. . I’ll take my 991A, or buy an Xiegu 6100.
No tuner = not a shack in a box. At QRP power it's not a shack either. No APRS was a massive mistake as well. With it, this thing would be gold plated.
I've taken it apart fully. You couldn't fit a mouse's tooth in there. It is fully packed. Antenna tuners are large because of the inductors and relays. A power amp too? With a tuner and power amp it would be twice the size and weight. No more carrying this thing into the mountains. With QRP power levels, one should use a resonant antenna. A "tuned" antenna won't have the TX efficiency to communicate well. I use a Folded Dipole (gain). Worked South Africa on 20 SSB camping with 10W on it. Nobody else out there offers anything near a 705. It is almost a hand-held device. It leans digital...so you can spend months making it do new things. Trade-offs are always made. If it had everything imaginable in it, it would be a lot more expensive and no different than a FT-991A with some add-ons. (and just as big and heavy)
The digital modes come in and out of fashion so fast that any included mode will become obsolete quickly. the Chinese keep giving still birth to radios and have not gotten their designs or quality control up to snuff. I've got a Xiegu GSOC here that was $450 and they abandoned it right after release. It's FULL of flaws. The 705 is a highly polished piece of gear and without flaw.
@@Yavor54 I understand that. I guess my opinion is that b/c the radio is SDR-based, there’s no technical reason to exclude modes like APRS, Fusion, DMR etc. I would much prefer APRS over DPRS and DMR would be sweet. But ICOM likely won’t do it for what they perceive to be market reasons. The Chinese won’t operate under those limitations. The quality might suck at first. But eventually they’ll find something that hits, like the AnyTone 878, and start iterating on it (the 878 being a perfect case in point).
Great review, but it still looks too plasticky, unlike the Elecraft KX3 which also has ATU, longer lasting battery and much higher TX power. See this review for comparison ua-cam.com/video/kiNnVs6BKs0/v-deo.html
The inside is SO packed with circuit boards that if they added a metal case, the weight would be too heavy. Indeed the bottom of mine is scratched up. Eventually I'll order another outer case and freshen it up. It is the most sophisticated QRP radio made. Only thing the Elecraft has on it is a quieter noise floor. At this power level I always use resonant wire antennas with gain. Folded dipoles work great.
45+ yrs in Amateur Radio. Never thought I’d enjoy QRP as much as I did. Getting the 705 really opened my eyes to another exciting facet of our wonderful hobby.
I have the IC 7300 and the IC 705 and love them both for what they are made for. The IC 705 is just one of the most capable radios every made, period.
I'm from Texas and my name is also Lorenzo.... KE5UFI... 73's
Another excellent review, Bob. I value your views and have used them as a base for purchases in the past and will no doubt do again in the future. Very balanced and worth noting I have found. Thanks.
Thanks Grant. I try to script out everything....get it right. This radio has too much to go into full detail in a video. It would be over an hour! Glad I finally got this one done.
Very good and thorough review, Bob. (As always.) I’m about to take mine out of the box, along with the AH-705. You’ve give a good Quick Start guide!
Great video.
I used to use a Xiegu G90 for portable ops, but once the 705 came out and a friend showed me, I had to get one for myself. It's a great rig all by itself for POTA/SOTA, but since I also have a Xiegu XPA-125A 100 watt amplifier for HF, this basically can be used as a main rig. In fact, I recently sold my IC-7300, which used to be my main rig until I splurged and got a Yaesu FTdx-101MP (which really is in a totally different class), and now my IC-705 and XPA-125B not only can be taken into the field but also serve as my backup rig in case the 101MP has an issue (which it hasn't'). One of the complaints that some people have about the 705 is that it has no internal tuner, but there are a number of solutions. For POTA/SOTA, a small tuner from Elecraft works wonders. Alternatively, since the XPA-125B amplifier has a very good tuner built in, if you use it, not only do you get upwards of 100 watts, you also have a very capable tuner too.
I love my 705 and 7610. I have been waiting a long time for a QRP rig like the 705.
I’ve had my 705 since they were available and loved watching your review of the 705! Thanks 73 K4BBC
Hard to believe I've had my 705 for almost a year. Good to watch the review and be reminded of the features I've since forgot about (I haven't programmed the V/UHF repeaters yet.). Two additional learnings: The radio can be charged with the USB cable, albeit slowly. Second, like the IC 7300, zero power is not really no power. It's 50 mW and that's enough for a CW QSO as I found out when I as my "zero power" CW CQ received an unexpected reply. If you've a EFHW or random wire handy, it's fun to use on your deck or a picnic table in a park. The AH-705 also works well as a tuner. We've come a long way since the venerable FT-817 was introduced just over 20 years ago.
I also have celebrated one year with this wonderful rig. I had it on tens of VHF/UHF contests portable, used it several times with HF at camp sites, for HF Field Day and activations. I talked on D-star, did several FM SAT contacts with handheld antenna outside... I used SSB, FM, DV, CW, RTTY, data. Hunted for NDB beacons on longwave spectrum, listened to MFand HF broadcasts, listened to airband frequencies, SSB sats, and other things. I have a tuner mAT-705 mkII, it tunes a randomwire with 1:9 unun well. I am looking forward to use it with a transvertor for 23cm and above one day. Wonderful rig, totally worth of the money, glad I bought it last year.
Excellent Review Bob. I ordered one and the matching Icom tuner after seeing you review
It is a masterful piece of engineering. All other competitors in this portable market- are not in the 705's league.
Thanks for the review! I just picked up the 705 at HRO in norcal while visiting family. It's my first HF rig and so far super impressed and overwhelmed with the features. And can't wait to get back home to the hills of Colorado to play with it. And maybe actually learn CW.
73s
KE0OQS
Fantastic review. Thank you!
Excellent, informative video. Thanks!
Excellent review as always ☺️
Bob, That was the best review of the IC 705 I have seen so far. It was very informative and you pointed out two things I did not know. One......stand alone hot spot. Neat feature. Two, the battery. First off I think the standard battery is a joke. For how much current the radio draws on receive, it draws way too much power off of the little battery. I give Icom a thumbs down on the standard battery. But, I did not know they make a bigger battery. That would be the first thing I would get.
I wish you would have addressed the CW features more. I change CW speed on the fly. Some hams send back at either a slower speed or I need to send a fast exchange. The last thing I want to do is go through numerous menus to change the speed. So the question is, "Is it easy to change the CW speed on the fly?"
Again, thanks for posting such a great video. Your video made me revisit the possibility of getting one. The battery was a big issue for me and the lack of a built in ATU is yet another deal breaker. BUT.....since I only use resonant antenna, the lack of an
ATU may not be such a big deal.
Barry G. Kery, KU3X/QRP
I thought your video was excellent thank you for taking us through a tour on the 705 really nice radio I guess it's really good for the price point it offers a lot of features and a lot of bands thank you again for this great video you're awesome 👍
I hooked the AH-705 up to mine and it’s a powerful portable rig.
Bob, Thank-You! You’ve nailed it, as always. Like all of your reviews, you back-up what you say with facts. No fluff, no fat- just the facts…. You, Sir, are the Platinum Standard, and have NO equals. All the Best to You and Yours!
Thank you! I'm not doing these for maximum clicks. I want to do a better job. I really appreciate it!
Great review Bob !
Great video and great review !
you reviews are always fantastic, thank you. a bit out of my price range, however, looking on the second hand market. best regards Michael M0IEQ
Well, "When" you finally get one....you will be amazed at what it does. I was showing it to a friend and had an external speaker on it. He commented "It sounds better than your IC-7851"...and he was right.
Thanks for sharing
fantastic review thanks Rober 73 from kb2uew terrific radio
Perfect Bob! I appreciate your advice… 73
Thank you!!!
Another fantastic video thanks Mr Nagy 73 from kb2uew
Thanks! I've sold off all my other QRP radios and kept the 705. It is a marvel of engineering.
Its heats up on 70cm FM real good!. Got it to full red bars in just 20 minutes of talk at 5w. SWR was flat by the way on a Diamond X-50
Reallly would have liked to see a built in ATU. Elecraft did it with the KX2; no reason ICOM couldn't have put one inside. Very nice review. Much appreciated.
Really, there is NO room left inside. I've had it ALL apart. It is densely packed with circuit boards.
There is a reason. You can sell an optional tuner for $350.00 😉. LDG should sell a 705 tuner modeled after the LDG Z-817. Street price is around $120.00 for the Z-817.
@@randyab9go188 Ha! Yup. Forgot about that ;)
@@robertnagy2163 There would if they left out the D-Dtar junque.
Nice review. Hello from Serbia.
Hello to Serbia! Best Gypsy music in Europe!
This radio is amazingly great HAM radio tool. Another piece of Japanese engineering art.
nice review. Watching as I get my 705 this afternoon! 73 de M5PM 🇬🇧 Patrick
I actually traded in my ic7610 for this because I think the probability is just terrific and I don't really use the home base station that much
Well, add anamp and you have a complete station. Maybe a uhf/vhf amp too. Just make a little BNC two way switch. The 705 is a masterpiece of engineering. I have many QPR radios
and none of them are in the league of the 705. Enjoy!
Good content thanks Bob KQ4CD Paul
I wonder if you could apply a phone screen protecting film to the screen of the radio? Thanks for the review. Very informative.
Look on Amazon. They are available.
ICOM all day, I have the 7610 and the 9700, I need no more from features and functionality.
From HF to Satellites (including QO-100) I am covered all bands and all modes, with the exception of 70MHz (4M).
If I was going portable, I would have the 705, as part of my radio gear.
Yaesu completely missed a trick, they brought out the ft818, completely lacking imagination.
Excellent channel Rob, de Ei2iP
Nicely done. Bill KG2CS
Hi Robert ,your multi button looks like it has a red ring around it ?? Mine is black - any ideas why - Thanks
I found a little rubber band that fits perfectly. It just makes is a little more grippier!
I wish you could activate and step through the menu items with the knobs., E.g.press the AF/RF/SQL knob and the menu pops out then press again to cycle through the menu items and then twist to adjust the setting. It drives me crazy that I need to press a button then use the knob.
Apart from that this is my first amateir radio and I love it,
Bob, you've said something I've not heard others say, but which I've also wondered. Rather than buying a 7300/9700 and adding various technologies (gps, etc.), why not buy a 705 and add the simple pa and atu? Wonder what others think about the idea.
I agree. I just bought the 705 as my first HF rig. Crazy going against the grain of not having a 100w base. And at the end of the day I know I will buy a PA and I'll be happy but I made into Idaho on the last qso party with 5w and a mobile antenna. So far very impressed.
Wonderful review as always Brother !
When you have time, please mention again the conversion nodes via WiFi that allow for communicating to other vendors radios and technology.
Also, might you tell me where you got that really cool pen in this video.
Best and 73 de W3HLS {formally KB1YNU}
Ha! Well, that is a custom pen I got for my birthday. A one-off. The oddist mode this radio does is going from WiFi to these multi-mode server "rooms". I used a YT video to make it happen at one point, but then went back to just using my Hot Spot. ALL the digital modes are in these server rooms. Everyone can talk to everyone . These "rooms" are not on the normal Dstar listings. Really, the thing to do is have a bank of HotSPot channels which are set for your favorite Dstar reflectors etc. Add couple of CQCQCQ and Disconnect channels in the line-up and you are golden. I like the Duplex HotSpots because if people are talking, you can still disconnect or QSY. I like this radio more and more- as I use it.
Excellent Bob as per usual.I would like to know what amplifier you might consider using. Thanks again for your excellent reviews. 73👍
I have several...a collection from over the years. In the field I use a Xiegu PAX-100 (may have discontinued it) And at home I use the XPA-125 Xiegu....and it is a superb amp (not cheap)..really a 200W amp. There are several types available.. just be sure they have the low-pass filters in them. CW and digital modes, I use 10W.
What's that rim / gum around the MULTI knob? It looks cool. I also want one. :)
Ha! Those came off some vegetable like broccoli... I can't remember. just keep an eye out for the right sixed rubber band!
No auto tuner!! No bueno....I own the ICOM 7300 and at 72 it will probably be my last hf rig. With that said, IMO the 7300 receiver is average and noisy compared to my Elecraft KX3 or my old ICOM 746pro which I no longer own. So, if the 705 is a 7300 shrunk down, I'll keep my KX3 for field work and enjoy the internal tuner and live without the band scope.
As always, great video Bob.....keep them coming /k6sdw
Well, the 7300 may look like a 7300, but it is a very different radio. To conserve power, they must use different IC's. As well, every year, new chips come out with better performance. Icom re-cycles as much of the programming as they can- so the user interface is similar. I used the 705 portable this weekend and it is a superb radio. The receiver is as selective as most $2-3K radios. It is very quiet. Sure- Elecraft radios are quieter. The KX-3 is so quiet that it is freakish. I always thought my antenna was broken. Using an antenna that needs to be tuned with a tuner will always mean compromise performance. I always use resonant antennas (folded dipoles) portable. This way I have gain- but it's the same footprint as a dipole. I thought I would not be impressed by the 705, but it is a marvel of engineering and without flaw. Nobody has a comparable radio.
@@Yavor54 TNx Bob, I'm a huge fan of yours! /k6sdw
Yep, I feel the same way about my Xeigu G90 too!
It’s simply the love of Ham Radio regardless of the transceiver as long as it does what you want! 73’
Bob's review sold me on the G90. I've had mine for a year and a half now and love it.
I also like the G90...internal tuner, 20W, and almost 1/3 of the price of the 705.
@@daveN2MXX I worked Costa Rica yesterday on 20 watts and the operator was amazed by the quality of my signal. I've had good reports all the way from VK land to 7 land on this little G90.
@@Bdub1952 I used the G90 for a POTA activation today....I love it!
Thanks Bob, another great review.
Nice review.
How many receivers does it have? Crucial for finding where the DX is listtening split.
It only has one receiver. That said, I hear that PC SDR software is being released that may give multiple RX capabilities. Just by itself, this radio contains a tremendous amount of excellent engineering.
@@Yavor54 That really sounds great Bob, not that it is easy to compete with 5-10W in getting that DX in the log but without second receiver it is a pain. I have other trancievers but I am looking for something to go /mm wet squares expeditions as well as iota expeditions. I do also understand that the IC-705 has pretty good built in bandpass filters which means would would be able to have several radios and run so3r or even so4r as a single operator without too much QRM. 73 de SM6WET
You didnt update it yet? FT8 button and fixed scrolling etc.
Hi Bob, great video. I too have this radio. What was your list of power amplifiers that you briefly showed? VE6KBI
The best is the Xiegu XPA-125B. It has 220W finals and is a superb amp. It has a tuner in it too. The others are 50W offerings from Ebay. Have fun!
@@robertnagy2163 Thankyou for that information.
Don’t forget the Elecraft KXPA 100. Bob/K6UDA has a video on how to connect it. Not cheap but it is an excellent choice if you have one around. And it includes a tuner.
What is a good antenna for this radio?
With low power, I always suggest an antenna with gain. I personally use resonant Folded Dipoles. A good way to do it is to cut one for 20 meters and then make extensions for it. Alligator clip the extenders on the ends to change for lower bands. If you don't use an antenna with gain, you'll need an amplifier for SSB.
Please show us an amplifier that supports HF/VHF/UHF. Can you do APRS (not D-PRS)
I had 7300 for two years (now I own dx10)...the rig was a joy...I really loved the rig and I wanted something similar for portable use (I own KX3 and mcHF)...but...I don't think that is worth the money...And I will explain why:
When we speak about 5W (10W)...we speak about portable radio that you will take to the field (POTA/SOTA/ and other OTA).
1. for SOTA is very big. If you hike 2-3 hours (sometimes even more)...you will need something that is more easy to take. That will take a little bit less space in your backpack...because you will also need to take antenna, some water, some snacks. And often some supplementary clothes. And most probably you will need a tunner
2. Also the plastic case...quite often I had small accidents with the rig...a plastic rig will broke. Not always you are able to put in very secure way the rig. Also you are at risc to fall (specially when you go down back...sometimes you slip etc...). For POTA...the risk is smaller...but for sota? No way...
3. No ATU. Even if you go with resonant antennas (low SWR on band)...you will find that the antenna is not perfect as you tuned at home (due different environment, tree, mast etc). So, you will need a small tunner (3:1 is ok).
4. For this price...you have better alternatives (xiegu X5105 at half of the price, KX2/KX3 - with tuner...with tuner...the price in same range...or mcHF...1/3 of the price). On the field, sometimes, to many features are more a inconvenient and is more confusing. For example, I never need a wifi on the mountains/forest (in fact, I can't imagine a reason for wifi on field...except FT8...but I don't play in digital modes). The gps...I have my phone with me...
So, even that is very nice and pleasant radio...the truth is that doesn't worth the money (probably if you travel in RV...but then even 100W rig will fit).
Well, that's true if you don't require top-shelf performance. The Xiegu 5105 is just as heavy and it's performance is very marginal. I always use resonant antennas in the field. I use folded dipoles...for the 3dB gain. If you use antennas that require a tuner at 5-10 watts, your transmit efficiency will be very poor. A KX3 is the same price or more with any accessory boards. It IS a good performer, but difficult to operate (better take your manual) and has no real scope. Neither of those radio have UHF/VHF which is quite useful in the outback. I want to be able to hit the repeaters back in town and possibly work some SSB up there. You could even do ISS FM sat work. I had and sold both those other radios to get the 705. I only kept a G90 for grins. I never take it out though. Luckily, we have these choices!
@@robertnagy2163 Xiegu 5105: 910 grams; IC-705: 1150 grams; KX3 - 980 grams.The performance of xiegu is decent (I didn't feel something better in the field. True, in city - in shack...the performance is poor due lot of QRM. But I had the same problem with 7300 (overload). It's true, 7300 had a better performance. I found that KX3 it was a more easy to operate than Xiegu. More, in the field, all buttons that you need are in the front. So, it wasn't matter if I was with gloves or full of mud (yep...I was nuts anounght to hike after rain...when I arrived at the summit, I had mud even in my...I can't say...is to indecent ...). It's true, is a little bit more complicated if you want to play with AGC threshold or other stuff...but I doubt that anyone will play with deep settings in field. So, for operating in field...it was more easy than everything that I had (mcHF, Xiegu G90, Xiegu 5105, IC-703, ft-815)...
UHF/VHF...is hard to play on field I never tried...
Regardin resonant antenna...is a myth. At home I have 2x28m dipole...(non resonant on all HAM bands). I managed to work S9OK with 100W on two bands...and quite easy (I don't have amplifier). I have EFHW that is resonant on 20m...and all my activation was on 30m band...(with 3-5W...KX3 internal battery or Xiegu 5105 with 5W). The reason why is not efficient...it's that the you have long coax (I have 30cm coax...and with KX3 I don't use coax at all...the bal-un is connected directly to RIG with bnc to bnc connector). At home, even that I have 35m of coax to the antenna...the tuner is at the feed point on the roof of the building...so, the losses are minimal on coax. The losses appear when you have at the end of coax a impedance that is different than coax and source. I also have a 20m resonant dipole...but I found that is not so flexible (I have to put at least 5m of coax)...so I can't use the dipole on other bands than 20m...and it's a little bit more harder to deploy on hills.
So, IC-705 is ok if you go at picnic...or go in RV... but overall...its way overpriced. There are way more better rigs/setups at lower price.
@@bolovanro Yes, I think YOUR issue is that you are doing SOTA. You must carry the radio. And yes, I am RV camping...ha! You need the smallest/ lightest radio that will work. Th G90 is a good radio, but HEAVY. The price on the 705 will reduce too. I think it will be under one thousand soon. Sure, it is expensive. The Chinese radios are not great engineering. They are basic- and have problems. The 705 is problem-free. For me, in normal conditions, I have always found that a resonant antenna and good coax is best. I think Bob Heil said it best - "An Antenna tuner fools the radio and the operator". With such low power operation, I want the best antenna possible. I have tried everything portable- and Folded Dipoles are the winner. But each of use has a different experience... and it is fun! Best 73's Bob
@@robertnagy2163 For RV is a nice rig (even that in RV you are able to take a full size of 7300 HI..but you need also a bigger power suply).
Yes, it's true what you say about the tuner...but also someone says that tuner is full you if is stay in warm place (close to TRX). But if stay close to feed point of the antenna...is different story. I made a experiment: My antena have swr of 5 (this mean that it will return around 25% of the power). I set my rig at 5W and tuned with a LDG 100Pro in shack. A CQ was received in germany by a station with 5db. I turn of the tuner and tuned with MFJ 993 remote tuner (on the roof of the building) and the same station has received me with 11 db. I tried 4 times (cycling between tuner in the sack and tuner on the roof...)...the difference was almost the same all time. So yes, if tuner is in warm and dry place...is just fools the rig...if is on feed point of the antenna...it will radiate almost all power (the loses are minimal)
You focus on HF, but this is VHF/UHF too. And that's something one can't find in any other contemporary QRP rig, except FT-818. Due to that, there is almost no alternative for those who like upper bands. I agree with the points (it is heavier than some other small rigs, it looks very prone to break if you drop it, it is too expensive for breaking it, etc). However, I think it is worth of the price, since it is so universal! For some disciplines it covers, you can find a better fitting one-purpose rig, but not for the others.
12:12 how can I get my screen exactly like this?? I’ve been trying for hours and can’t figure it out !!
Anyone please
Hit the "menu" button- then press "Audio"
I sold my KX3 after i bought my IC 705, now i miss it. There is something about that KX3. What are your thoughts between the two?
Well, the only thing the kx3 has over the 705 is a lower noise floor. Everything else about the 705 is superior.
@@Yavor54 I was fixing to say, the KX3 sure is quiet compared to this radio, a trick I learned from you might add.
I’m hoping someone with more experience with the 705 radio can answer this question on made for Japan domestic market radio compatibility here in USA…. I’m considering purchasing a brand new IC-705 from Japan to save the money (about 40% savings). ICOM corporate states that their mfg warranty will not work here in US for Japan domestic manufactured radios. I’m not super concerned about the warranty. I’ve never had an issue with any high quality electronics brand I’ve purchased in past, but know there’s always a risk. Such is life. However, do you think that there will really be issues with band modes and other usability aspects as they suggest, or could it just be “spin” to keep business for local equipment dealers. What are your thoughts?
Golly- that is a puzzler. Yes, truthfully, that 705 should work perfectly for it's whole service life. Should you need repairs, Icom in the USA WILL repair it.
You do need to check the 2 and 450 band ranges in Japan though. HF will be the same. At the right price, Id have no quams about importing from Japan.
Thanks so much for responding! I did go ahead and purchase USA marketed 705 that was an open box demo. The replies were mixed and I finally didn’t want to wait for shipment and also uncertain Import fees when added almost makeup the difference.
👍
Icom made a BIG mistake not using USB-C instead of micro USB. Micro USB is too fragile.
I just wish it had an internal ATU.
Well, I've had it all apart and there is absolutely no room left in there for anything. At 10W, any antenna that needs to be tuned will be a compromise. I always use folded dipoles. Same footprint as a dipole but it has gain.
@@Yavor54 that is good to know. I have been hoping they would come out with an upgrade for an ATU but seems that May not be in the cards.
At the end you state that “you’re gonna want an amp for SSB”- well, yeah. And, you didn’t mention it has no ATT. For $1300, Ii’s not really a shack in the box after all- it’s an incredibly well designed compromise. . I’ll take my 991A, or buy an Xiegu 6100.
If you size or design your antenna(s) properly, you won't need a tuner, just like a HT but with more features.
No tuner = not a shack in a box. At QRP power it's not a shack either. No APRS was a massive mistake as well. With it, this thing would be gold plated.
I've taken it apart fully. You couldn't fit a mouse's tooth in there. It is fully packed. Antenna tuners are large because of the inductors and relays. A power amp too? With a tuner and power amp it would be twice the size and weight. No more carrying this thing into the mountains. With QRP power levels, one should use a resonant antenna. A "tuned" antenna won't have the TX efficiency to communicate well. I use a Folded Dipole (gain). Worked South Africa on 20 SSB camping with 10W on it. Nobody else out there offers anything near a 705. It is almost a hand-held device. It leans digital...so you can spend months making it do new things. Trade-offs are always made. If it had everything imaginable in it, it would be a lot more expensive and no different than a FT-991A with some add-ons. (and just as big and heavy)
Its doubtful Icom will come out with an amp for this. It would canabalize the 7300 and 9700.
If I was them , I certainly would. 100W on HF and 50W on VHF/UHF
14:10 Tech Minds (ua-cam.com/users/TechMindsOfficial) haha awesome.
"Vegetable rubber bands"
et D-STAR ????
The fact it has D Star in it is enough for me to say no thanks.
It’s an SDR. There’s no reason it can’t code/decode APRS, DMR, Fusion, etc. I guess the Chinese will have to do it, sigh.
The digital modes come in and out of fashion so fast that any included mode will become obsolete quickly. the Chinese keep giving
still birth to radios and have not gotten their designs or quality control up to snuff. I've got a Xiegu GSOC here that was $450 and they abandoned it right after release. It's FULL of flaws. The 705 is a highly polished piece of gear and without flaw.
@@Yavor54 I understand that. I guess my opinion is that b/c the radio is SDR-based, there’s no technical reason to exclude modes like APRS, Fusion, DMR etc. I would much prefer APRS over DPRS and DMR would be sweet. But ICOM likely won’t do it for what they perceive to be market reasons. The Chinese won’t operate under those limitations. The quality might suck at first. But eventually they’ll find something that hits, like the AnyTone 878, and start iterating on it (the 878 being a perfect case in point).
GREAT RADIO. 5W not so great. Waste of capability. I use mine as a receiver
Great review, but it still looks too plasticky, unlike the Elecraft KX3 which also has ATU, longer lasting battery and much higher TX power. See this review for comparison ua-cam.com/video/kiNnVs6BKs0/v-deo.html
The inside is SO packed with circuit boards that if they added a metal case, the weight would be too heavy. Indeed the bottom of mine is scratched up. Eventually I'll order another outer case and freshen it up. It is the most sophisticated QRP radio made. Only thing the Elecraft has on it is a quieter noise floor. At this power level I always use resonant wire antennas with gain. Folded dipoles work great.
@@Yavor54 The "only thing" the KX3 has is a quieter noise floor?! I mean that's got to be up there, maybe the top thing!
I’ll say it, it’s not! Don’t get me wrong, it’s super nice but. $650+. Not today!
Finally, a ham that has no useless babble.
Thank you. I know everyone's time is valuable and I try to keep my videos information-dense.
EXCELLENT review. You should work for Icom. Thanks de WA3SCW